Dr. Josiah Joekai Meets Ivorian Prime Minister, Conveys President Boakai’s Message on Regional Cooperation

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire: Director-General of Liberia’s Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., has met with Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, to deliver a message from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Abidjan on Monday, June 1, formed part of Dr. Joekai’s engagements during the 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA), currently underway in Côte d’Ivoire.

During the discussions, Dr. Joekai conveyed President Boakai’s goodwill message to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara through Prime Minister Mambé. The message emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between the two neighboring countries, particularly in the areas of health, public service governance, and sustainable development.

Dr. Joekai also thanked the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for hosting the continental gathering and for their commitment to advancing partnerships that improve healthcare systems and public sector performance across Africa.

In response, Prime Minister Mambé welcomed the Liberian delegation and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Liberia. He stressed the need for continued collaboration in critical sectors, including health and public administration.

The Ivorian Prime Minister further extended his best wishes to President Boakai and assured Dr. Joekai that the Liberian leader’s message would be delivered to President Ouattara.

Dr. Joekai was accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Willye Mai Tolbert King.

Joekai Urges Stronger African Cooperation on Health and Public Service Reform

Also in Côte d'Ivoire, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., called for stronger partnerships among African nations to improve healthcare systems and public service delivery across the continent.

Speaking at the opening of the 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA) in Abidjan, Dr. Joekai said Africa’s future depends on strong institutions, effective governance, and a well-supported health workforce.

Dr. Joekai, who currently serves as Chairman of HaPSNA, said African countries must work together, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to address common challenges in health and public administration.

The meeting brought together representatives from nine African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, The Gambia, and the Central African Republic.

Participants are discussing ways to strengthen public service systems, modernize government institutions, and better integrate health workers into national civil service structures.

Dr. Joekai described the gathering as an important platform to review progress, strengthen partnerships, and develop strategies aimed at improving service delivery and health outcomes across Africa.

He also announced that the next HaPSNA meeting will be held in March 2027, where member states will review the implementation of commitments adopted in Abidjan.

The conference was officially opened by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of State and Minister of Public Service and Modernization of the Administration, Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, who reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening public service and health sector development across Africa.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint communiqué outlining key commitments and actions for member countries.